Just Us

Chapter Three

Formal parties are not really for me. I am not fond of wearing long dresses and having chit-chat about work and business. But having a family like dela Cuesta, we should take it as our second skin. Kailangan kong masanay.

"So pretty as always," I didn't know that my Dad, Kirnon Dela Cuesta was leaning on my room's door while crossing his arms around his chest.

He was now wearing his maroon suit with his white sleeves underneath. Saktong-sakto sa kaniya ang pants na kapares nito.

He looks dashing as always. Hindi na kataka-taka ang madaming babae na hanggang ngayon ay nakapila sa kaniya.

"Where's Papa?" I asked. I even flat the portion of my black mermaid-cut long dress that ruffled.

I am wearing a black glittery mermaid-cut dress that was paired with my four-inch white stilleto. My whole left leg was showing because of the dress's long-wide slit.

"He's downstairs. He was asking me to check on you." The left side of his lips curved towards and I immediately knew why.

I am shaking my head as I am walking my way to him. I even get my black small clutch purse before leaving my room. While walking, I held onto my father's arm before I felt his lips on my hair.

"Finally!" Papa clapped his hands when he saw us na pababa na sa hagdan.

"Masyado mo yatang na-gatekeep si Papa dahil masyado po siyang excited na lumabas at mag-party."

His manly yet simultaneously laugh filled the gaps between us at iyon ang naabutan nidl Papa nang mapalapit kami sa kaniya.

"Bakit narinig ko na naman ang tawa mong walang kapantay?" Papa's eyes narrowed before stepping on Daddy's side and fixing his partner's collar. I even chuckled as Dad leaned towards him and kissed his forehead gaining a smack on his arm.

Nilipat ko ang pagkukulong ng braso kay Papa at kagaya rin ni Dad ay naramdaman ko agad ang labi niya sa aking noo.

Their love for me is endless. Funny on how I hate to be known as a dela Cuesta kasi hindi naman nila ako pinagkaitan. Sadyang nabuhay lang ako na takot ng makaranas ng panghuhusga galing sa ibang tao.

Ramdam na ramdam ko ang pagmamahal nila. Hindi ko rin naramdaman ang pagkukulang dahil walang nanay kasi yung mga asawa ng mga Tito ko ang nagparamdam sa akin noon.

Even though, I hate to associate myself to the clan, I just can't fully erase their existence in me kasi pamilya ko sila. At maging ako... Sobra ang pagmamahal sa kanila.

At iyon lang yata kung klase ng pagmamahal na mararamdaman ko.

"You look beautiful, anak." He caressed my chin and smiled.

I chuckled and playfully placed a strand of my hair on my ear. "Ako lang 'to, Pa."

Ilang minuto lang kaming magkuwentuhan at nag bolahan bago namin napagpasyahan sa sasakyan ni Dad.

Camera shutters and lights filled the place the moment I walked on the red carpet floor. Nasa gitna ako ng dalawang tinitingalang tycoon sa business world kaya siguro ganoon din ka-espesyal ang pagtanggap sa amin.

Nilibot ko ang paningin sa hall na pagdadausan ng event. The place has a minimalism attack. Kulay itim at puti ang nagharing kulay sa event. A medium size tarpaulin is placed at the entrance. The charity event that will be held tonight is for the kids who left their houses or kids who were abused by their parents or guardians. Iyon daw ang pangunahing rason ng event na 'to.

Abala lang ang mata ko sa paglibot sa buong lugar until someone caught my attention. Wearing an asymmetric pleated A-line dress, my roommate, Amarys walked confidently alongside an older couple. Katulad ng naging pwesto ko ay pinaggitnaan din siya ng dalawa. It was probably her parents.